The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 along party lines Tuesday morning to advance the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), setting up a contentious floor vote in the full Senate.
Kennedy, a longtime critic of vaccines and former independent presidential candidate, has emerged as one of President Donald Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks. His nomination has faced fierce opposition from Senate Democrats and skepticism from some Republicans over his past stance on vaccines and abortion.
Partisan Divide Over Kennedy’s Nomination
Democrats unanimously oppose Kennedy’s nomination, meaning he can afford to lose only three Republican votes if he is to be confirmed. His confirmation hearing last week exposed deep divisions, particularly over his past opposition to vaccines and his shifting stance on abortion.
Kennedy, who previously supported abortion rights, told Republican senators during the hearing that he would enforce Trump’s pro-life policies, including restricting federal funding for abortion and supporting state control over the issue.
“I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy,” Kennedy stated. “I serve at the pleasure of the president. I’m gonna implement his policies.”
However, Democrats challenged his sincerity, accusing him of reversing his long-held views for a cabinet position.
Republican Skepticism Over Vaccine Stance
One of the key concerns for Republicans has been Kennedy’s past statements linking vaccines to autism—claims widely debunked by the medical community. Senator Bill Cassidy (R., La.), a physician, openly wrestled with his decision before ultimately voting in favor after receiving assurances from the White House.
“Does a 70-year-old man, 71-year-old man who spent decades criticizing vaccines… can he change his attitudes and approach now that he’ll have the most important position influencing vaccine policy in the United States?” Cassidy questioned before speaking with Kennedy and the administration over the weekend.
Cassidy credited Vice President J.D. Vance for helping him reach a decision, saying he was persuaded by commitments from the administration on shared policy goals, including food regulations and a “pro-American agenda.”
Democratic Concerns and a Personal Rebuke
Democrats strongly opposed Kennedy’s nomination, pointing to his past advocacy against vaccines. Senator Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) challenged Kennedy over a nonprofit he founded that sold baby onesies with slogans like, “Unvaxxed, Unafraid.” Kennedy distanced himself from the organization, saying he resigned from its board months ago and no longer had control over its activities.
Even Kennedy’s former law school roommate, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D., R.I.), expressed concern over his nomination. “Frankly, you frighten people,” Whitehouse said, citing Kennedy’s history of questioning vaccine safety.
High-Stakes Senate Vote Looms
As the nomination heads to the full Senate, both parties are bracing for a high-stakes vote. Some Republicans remain undecided, while Trump’s allies are rallying support to ensure Kennedy’s confirmation.
Meanwhile, Silicon Valley lawyer Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s former running mate, warned lawmakers against opposing him. She threatened to fund primary challengers against 13 senators—both Democrats and Republicans—who vote against Kennedy’s confirmation.
“This is a bipartisan message and it comes directly from me. While Bobby may be willing to play nice, I won’t if you vote against him,” Shanahan warned.
Kennedy’s nomination marks a remarkable political turn for a figure once seen as a staunch Trump critic before aligning with the former president in the final months of the 2024 election. Together, Trump and Kennedy launched the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, focusing on chronic disease prevention and food policy reforms.
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